CME Information

Purpose

To increase early diagnosis and proper treatment of patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases, physicians need to be educated about the recognition and disease management of primary immunodeficiencies. Immunologists, allergists, and others who treat primary immunodeficiency diseases need to be updated on matters that will lead to earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment modalities. Nurses who care for patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases or administer immunoglobulin replacement treatment need continuing education in order to improve the quality of care they provide. In addition, since individuals are most likely to first contact their primary care providers with symptoms, these physicians especially need information about how to meet their patients’ needs with proper diagnosis, treatments and referrals.

Target Audience

This program is designed for immunologists, allergists, nursing professionals specializing in immunology and other professionals who treat primary immunodeficiency disease. Primary care physicians, including family practioners and pediatricians will benefit from the program and are encouraged to attend.

Learning Objectives

Describe the epidemiology of primary immunodeficiency diseases and recognize the ways in which patients present clinically;

Identify the laboratory approaches to assess humoral, cellular, and innate immune function and recognize the current limitations of laboratory testing;

Explain that primary immunodeficiency can present with a wide variety of symptoms (infections, autoimmune/inflammatory disorders and part of a syndrome complex);

Recognize that Common Variable Immune Deficiency can present at any age and often does later in life;

Report the various sources of stem cells that can be used for immune reconstitution of patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases as well as differentiate between the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of stem cell transplantation in various primary immunodeficiency diseases;

Define the various routes for the administration of immunoglobulin including IVIG and SCIG;

Identify and treat adverse reactions, categorize the new safety measures and develop an IVIG or SCIG management plan.

ACCME Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the sponsorship of the Clinical Immunology Society (CIS). The CIS is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation Statement

The Clinical Immunology Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.